Kidderminster Chronicle, January 13, 2011

8.7 MB·English

by  Midland News Association

KIDDERMINSTER
JANUARY 13 , 2011 15p when sold
Attention everyone! Pigs with attitude
Inspector Drake take the stage
is now on film in town’s panto
–see page 2 –see page 5
New drive against smoking Sharpe set for Aggborough night
CHILDRENunder the age of 12 The winner’s idea will be it and keeping it smoke free.” FORMER England footballer £5million, Sharpe was one of Five’s Superstars, Sharpe have held memorable events at
across the county can see their art printed on to the devices which Second-hand smoke lingers for and celebrity TV star Lee the most recognisable foot- became a mainstay of the TV the Aggborough stadium in
design used in the fight against will be distributed through chil- two and half hours in a car, even Sharpe is to star in a sports- ballers of the 1990s. landscape. recent years.
cigarette smoke. dren’s centres in Worcestershire. with the window open. man’s dinner for Kidderminster After continuing his career Now he is enjoying the oppor- The club is selling tables of 10
A competition has been Julia North, health improve- It is hoped the air fresheners Harriers. with the likes of Leeds United tunity to tell some tales from his for this evening at £300 plus
launched by NHS Worcester- ment specialist co-ordinator for will remind people not to smoke The former Manchester and Bradford City whilst also career in both football and VAT and expects interest to be
shire’s Stop Smoking Service to Stop Smoking Services, said: and also signpost the Stop United man will be at Aggbor- taking in a spell in Europe, the broadcasting. high.
raise awareness of the dangers of “Second-hand smoke is composed Smoking Service. ough on Friday, February 11 Halesowen-born player devel- Memorable Parties interested in attend-
second-hand and encourage of over 4,000 chemicals including Closing date for entry is Febru- along with comedian Jamie oped a big television career after ing should make contact with
drivers to keep their vehicles some which can cause cancer. ary 4. For competition details and Sutherland. hanging up his boots. Sharpe follows the likes of the club’s commercial manager
smoke free. “The only way to protect chil- an entry template, visit With more than 260 games for From Celebrity Love Island Ron Atkinson, Barry Fry, Alan Helen Macdonald on 01562 823
Children can design an air dren from the dangers of smoke in www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/pub- United under his belt and and Celebrity Wrestling to Ball, Paul Merson and others 931 (option 3) for further details
freshener to carry the message. a vehicle is by not smoking inside lichealth career transfer fees of around Dancing On Ice and Channel from the football world who on how to book.
MARTIN GETS HIS
Thanks
to staff
in snow
A TOP health boss has
CHANCE TO SHINE thanked his staff for
their efforts in the big
freeze.
John Rostill, chief
executive of Worcester-
shire Acute Hospitals
NHS Trust, said snow
and an increase in flu
cases had put the pres-
sure on.
AKIDDERMINSTER man with a terminal “I’d like to put on
illness has been offered a chance to shine with roeucro rsdta mff ya tt htahnek As lteox aanl-l
his own photography exhibition. dra, Kidderminster and
Martin Radford, who was diagnosed with Churg-Strauss Vas- HWoosrpcietsatlesr,”s hheir sea id.Royal
culitis in 2006, has been called an “inspiration” by his mother. “I’d especially like to
Sue Houghton said her 28-year- mention the staff who
old son’s photography hobby, made By Tim Spiers walked miles through
possible by a grant from Worcester the snow to get in,
County Council, had made a real [email protected] doctors who stayed over
difference in his life. George through Wyre Forest LAFS sthaefe w seeerkveicneds ,t oa nmda sinetnaioinr
She also paid tribute to Richard (Learn Achieve Fun Socialise), a volun- managers and colleagues
George, a freelance photographer who tary organisation for young people who stayed overnight to
has been assisting Mr Radford with his with learning difficulties. ensure they could do
work which has culminated in the Kid- The pair spend around 10 hours a their shift the next day.
derminster Library exhibition of week driving around and snapping “I also have to mention
around 40 pictures. anything of interest, before Mr Gough our gratitude to the
Churg-Strauss Vasculitis affects the helps Mr Radford to upload them on many individuals and
small and medium blood vessels in the computer. organisations who volun-
whole of his body. He also has chronic “Richard has got a natural ability to teered their time and 4x4
asthma and arthritis. work with people like Martin and vehicles to get our staff
When diagnosed in 2006 Mr Radford they’ve become great friends,” Sue into work.”
was told he would live for five years. added.
He could barely breathe or walk for “Martin’s got a keen eye and a flair Jan wings in
two years but his condition has now for a good picture but he needs help to
bmeecdoimcaet imonosr ein cmluadniangge satbelreo itdhsa.nks to get all his iGdeRasA toTgeEthFeUr.L for swan talk
“Martin is a real fighter and a true
inspiration,” Sue said. “None of this would have been possi- SWAN expert Jan Harri-
“We wanted to try some new things ble with a payment from Worcester- gan BME will be the
that wouldn’t be too taxing for Martin, shire County Council’s Learning guest speaker at a con-
which is how the photography came Disability Development Fund, so I’m servation group meeting
about.” extremely grateful for that.” on Monday (January 17).
He took part in an art class at Kid- The exhibition runs to the end of the She will speak about
derminster College and then met Mr month and is free to attend. The Swan Rescue at
Kurt Sidaway, manager at Kidder- Wychbold at Stourport
Who stole Santa? minster Library, said: “It’s great to give Boat Club at 8pm
Martin a platform and we’re always (entrance £3). It will be
PaCbOhorLuisItCt mtEhaeas r dteh eaecpfotpr aeoatfil oitnnwgso fi on5r Bf itne fwiondrfmllaeayta.t ibolne atkhbe“eeiAdyni’n rnteyog ti epnhnaticnesosrguei orsnatwe gidhse iaipcnlehw.o apyilses tnosi csoehm tooew bs howdahryae’st. twChiooohsnmot swemedo o rlnkab ityneL gso tpHc aacarlor tntyGls emreboreuuveraptys-,
They feature Santa coming out of a It’s a wonderful thing.” this Saturday at Wilden
chimney and a snowman, and were Mr Sidaway was “very impressed” Top car park at 9.30am.
worth a total of £120. with the exhibition and said a lot of Details: www.hartle-
They were taken in Kidderminster people had been congregating around burycommonlocal-
road on Boxing Day or the day after. the cabinets to view the pictures. Photographer Martin Radford who has launched an exhibition of his work at Kidderminster Library group.co.uk
Page 2 KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011
thechronicle
The band Groucott and Haynes –Rob Groucutt on piano, Carrie Pickering
In the lab are Inspector Drake (Alan Birch) and Sergeant Plod (Steve Witney) Drake makes his point to forensic scientist Jack Savage (Rob Phillips) on sax, Steve Groucutt on drums and Dan Haynes on guitar
Drake in the swim
with a switch to
the big screen
A PLAYWRIGHT from Kidderminster
will debut his first film on both sides of the
globe.
Inspector Drake – The Movie, created by
Quarry Bank-born writer David Tristram, will
be premiered at the Bridgnorth Theatre On
The Steps on Friday February 11 at 7.30pm. tCraonmsifce rs htaisg es khilelsr oto I nthsep ebcigto sr cDrereank e– iws itpho tihsee df iltmo
But around 11,500 miles away the movie will also version screened on both sides of the world.
be showcased at the Tambourine Mountain Theatre Sarah Hazelwood reports
on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, and The Getting the call –Inspector Drake and the butler (Gerry Hinks)
New Plymouth Little Theatre, in New Zealand.
The theatres, which series –and his Flying duction, self-funded by ebrate Inspector Drake “It is exciting to know currently putting the fin- matter of seeing what the supportive and we could-
have staged a number of Ducks Theatre Company David and local actor still going strong after 25 that the film will also be ishing touches to the two- critics say.” n’t have done it without
performances of the have gone from strength Alan Birch who has years. seen so many miles away. hour feature. A team of 50 actors and the generosity of those
Inspector Drake plays, to strength. played the Inspector “It has been a very I’ve always had a lot of He said: “Writing has backstage crew have con- who contributed.
are hoping to help propel The low budget film, from the start, has cost unusual and interesting support worldwide and I always been my hobby tributed and the film is “I always knew that
the film towards the Hol- which took 10 months to the duo around £10,000. experience and I am hope the production is as but after putting so much expected to be screened one day we would be able
lywood red carpet. compile, was shot in and Adding on the free con- quietly hopeful that the well received as the stage effort into it over the at more theatres and to get our work on the big
Celebrating his 25th around the Black tributions and months of film will take off and productions. years it is now more like independent cinemas screen. What started out
year, hapless hero Drake Country and Shropshire, labour David said the draw in the crowds. “You have to start my profession. throughout the year. as a bit of fun has really
has acquired cult status featuring scenes at the final sum would have Fascinating somewhere. Now we just “I would definitely call Impressed developed into some-
since appearing in the Seven Valley Railway broken the £100,000 hope that where we the production a real thing major and I believe
first production of and Wolverhampton’s barrier – still a mere “It is going to be fasci- finish will be a true sign labour of love and it Alan, of Wollaston, that we definitely have
Inspector Drake’s Last ancestral house, Chill- trifle compared with nating to see what of all the effort everyone would be great if it Stourbridge, said: “We the potential to take Hol-
Case. ington Hall. usual £150million Holly- happens. I am truly has put in.” punched above its weight are hoping for a sell-out lywood by storm.”
With four stage hits Set in 1937, the work wood budget. The pro- amazed that Drake has David who creates cor- to become the success it weekend. I am so Tickets range from
now under his belt features comical Drake ducer, from Highley, said: been so successful, not porate videos for his deserves. impressed with the £6.50 to £10. E-mail
David –who also wrote and his faithful sidekick “We wanted to do some- only here but all over the filming company, also “You never know what quality of the final film, [email protected]
Writer David Tristram the Little Grimley Sergeant Plod. The pro- thing really special to cel- world. named Flying Ducks, is will happen, it is just a everyone has been very om
KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011Page 3
thechronicle
MEET YOUR
REPORTERS
Tim Spiers
01902 319363
Freemasons’ Grand Charity provincial grand master Richard Goddard, cenetre, Kemp staff and other charity representatives
Sa0r1a9h0 H2 a3z1e9l4w9o0od Hospice help Scam soldier
from masons
date warning
STAFF from a Kidder- and Mary Stevens
minster charity were Hospice, Stourbridge
An0n1a9b0e2l 3M1o94tt9r9am wd£aw1eeKl,aei0ergk0mdh.0etpd e dtdhoH etno ogas rptraieinocctene b iyvtw ehth aiases vsafuaelsn“KriodTyde rhrwmeatehceip sele cei vordmi nEoegnlc. edaoc motoMinnomiatnlitlu nwionwuanieartsddys. bdhWeaeOiatnirMngtgs Ew twNoae r “ibnsnsoe iKldtde iindse.dortes r”t moo nilno issnette etrrh naereiert tPcmoloa ePlitsimc cco eain,Lnm igesns ea tt ioebdH ry:bn aee“sl Wtesf oonderladd dtiai,nie nrgreogs f mw wkWeeohebnoense sit yttht e oestM yo.m ehmraacekvinaee
Freemasons’ Grand support from the A woman from the town was tar- women who use internet dating web-
Charity. The organisa- Freemasons is greatly geted by scammers. sites aware of these scams, so that they
ttmiGnhiooadMends ic’vdotshenia edrerpq,uyd rua ,oe lwv. hianascn dirdaoaeRlni dsiag cetrhdoia oavnnbreddysr asratedpaadprlertld eyKtc. hipiaeno tNesdidetn wiva eeYn sedwa srai,”ty ’s s htaeo tpoota hNAspeteno rohwd pa K lwpveioeh dtl iniodlc oeebet r e samb horeeienen nratseh tvsieeotoreii rdl ru awegcdtuoki anmylro.gdes wni.n agir nnc iantshghes, ottswhhevit“eeel Slnyro e o ufamx-etc ee paatrleol kctlr iehefsiod oeeard y m c‘ rrhaooe ufaamq vtwnuiae oeeo nnesencst.k-e tlsfa io nsborcelr aim srmmheoelomnadnete tiyerhon snsw’o suawhhngeiilhndpl
from Freemasons, “It currently costs The woman contacted police on trust.
Chris Feehan tfuognedtrhaeirs ingw ietvhe ntss ucahs £co1nmtiinlluioen peraocvhid iynega ro utor aJ amnuaanr ycl 4a iamftienrg b etoc obmei nag s forlideinedrl yo nw iatnh Telephone
01902 313131 ex 3213 sponsored cycle rides, services and we only internet dating website in November. “They may, for example, ask for cash
kyiWdoduyhicnrah fratpoo’nrsire@cm hateuxaa?prprt eeEisposmsnea tnn aodaiis:nlnt aydgr.oc oiun.urk alpisononlnagcTdgci h ace sodel k n iaispotcttctre alcerTenastshsces.,enie o rtwnaaPsatcri elook ivnnnsi ,cin gtlacouhinodatkds-l etvgrphereoeocerrvesy elcii orvtehcynenea mtaala pvcoenopifndl mrytt oh .mk xoiinisunmW nfdtraheniott eemye s.l”gry stee 2hnlo0ye-f hsfoouuarISstd t.pha gii ecsis iv cobedauenimsld i abe bv–enoecoaubdtuu t h sthge eiit mvdwheeesa t esawhl ifsilo smedm tit tdhai hnenn eg“ osrb tho e clebcdhraaie menucrkkpe” obuotinrapc “lsk aWieane mt eae,t b odewfrnoaloeoertapu iynmdhl tdg.oer noadarenid c csvahlfiileasn rebtk its laoelnn srpe yvoaaoirycrn e eef atov o rue m unsais i ntlpeiog ltr a aesanrpenyet-
For advertising call Office in Bromsgrove Visit www.kemphos- account details or any personal infor- utable companies and to follow their
01902 319582 with St Richards Hospice pice.org.uk for more mation except her name. recommended safety tips. Do not send
in Worcester, Acorns; information on the In the past police have received money, however genuine the request
Worcester unit, Primrose Mason Road-based reports from a number of women in may seem. In this latest reported case,
www.yourchronicle.com Hospice in Bromsgrove charity. Kidderminster who have fallen victim the victim was lucky.”
Page 4 KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011
KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011Page 5
Relief as fire authority
suffers small grant cut
HEREFORD and Worcester Fire and Panto pigs with attitude!
Rescue Service has seen its funding cut.
But the grant reduction, of 2.4 per cent, will
be followed by a 1.7 per cent increase for the
period 2012-13.
HWFRS chief fire officer Mark Yates described it
as “a favourable settlement” while Wyre Forest MP
Mark Garnier was also relieved.
Mr Yates joined Mr
Advice is Garnier and other Here-
fordshire and Worcester-
shire MPs to lobby local
offered to government minister
Bob Neill in November
before the decision.
parents Following the
announcement Mr Yates
said he remains “opti-
mistic about the future”
PARENTS to be are but stressed the need for
being offered free infor- more efficient provision
mation about their rights of services.
through a meeting in He was praised by Mr
Kidderminster. Garnier for the way in
Free sessions will tell which he presented the
them about their rights case.
as a working parent-to- “Mark Yates gave a
be. The meetings will very strong presentation
include advice about on why H&W fire author-
pregnancy at work, ity was a special case,
financial assistance demonstrating a highly
available to working efficient yet lowly funded
parents or carers, mater- organisation,” said Mr
nity and paternity leave Garnier.
adunrdi ngp athyi s etinmtiet.lements Willing
daTy,h Je anneuxat risy o1n9 W aetd Kneids-- wi“lIli nwg asto pslueapspeodr t ahnids Teenage pigs played fbeya, tfurroem in l eLfitt,t leB eRve dS tRoindein, gA Hndoroedw Jones and Jo Rush
derminster Library from appeal and it is excellent THREE not so little pigs are among the the dancers and choreography for the
6.30-8.30pm. news that we have been characters in a panto at Stourport this show.
Helen Middleton, listened to.” month. Proceeds from the ticket sales, well
county council family Mr Garnier was also The Monday Night Group will over £4,000 each year, help contribute
information service team relieved that, following present Little Red Riding Hood at the to the local community.
co-ordinator, said: “We the abandonment of the Stourport Civic Centre. Monday Night Group is a registered
have had great feedback Regional Control Centre The panto follows last year’s suc- charity, and every penny of profit is
from expectant parents project, Hereford and cessful production of Aladdin. given to groups in the Wyre Forest
and carers who have Worcester Fire and It follows the traditional story of Red community in its May presentation
attended.” Rescue Service will not Riding Hood, Grandma and the evening.
To book, or for more be moving to Wolver- hungry wolf but the three little pigs Last year the group gave away more
information, call 01905 hampton as previously are rather different. than £19,000 to 90-plus groups and
790560, e-mail family- proposed. They are teenagers –and it shows charities in the area.
[email protected]. “Staying in Worcester occasionally in their attitude. Tickets are available from 01299
uk or visit www.worces- is positive for the Author- Appearing with the Monday Night 825170. Production dates, times and
tershire.gov.uk/family- ity as it maintains stabil- Group cast is Crescents Ballet School, ticket prices can be found on
info ity for the staff,” he said. from Worcester. Jane Chance provides www.mondaynightgroup.org
Page 6 KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011
thechronicle
Postcode plan to help Try hitting the trail for
keep the new bike safe that New Year fitness
YOUNGSTERS can get their taken along with a photograph. NEW fitness trails have been be a 30-minute family walk and
bicycles property marked at Pc Robbins said: “We will set up at Wyre Forest nature talk led by a member of Wyre
Sutton Park Primary School, store this information and if the reserves. Events have been Forest District Council’s Ranger
Kidderminster, today (January bikes become lost or stolen and organised to launch the new Service. Residents are also
13). are later recovered we should be trails to beginners, seasoned invited to try out the Burlish
Local Policing Officer PC able to reunite them with their runners and families. Top nature reserve trail on Sat-
Gordon Robbins and Commu- owners. The owners will also get The first will take place at urday, January 22 – again
nity Support Officers Belinda a card with all the relevant Hurcott Pools and Wood nature between 10am and 11.30am.
Pengelly-Moore and Adam information included. reserve. Residents are invited to Limited car parking is avail-
Harris will be on hand at the “This is a sensible security try the trail on Sunday, January able at both venues and booking
school in Greatfield Road from precaution at any time of the 16 between 10am and 11.30am. is advisable for the Hurcott
4pm to 6pm to postcode cycles year but is particularly relevant Information about walking Pools event. Call David Tid-
using UV pens. after Christmas when many and sports clubs in the district marsh on 01562 732928 or
Details including the serial youngsters will have received will be available, plus details on email david.tidmarsh@wyrefor-
numbers of the bikes will be expensive bicycles as presents.” healthy living. There will also estdc.gov.uk
Poppy organiser
goes out on high
A POPPY appeal organiser from Kidder- Forty years on, it’s the first
minster is ending his 51-year term on a
high after this year’s collections raised
more than £28,000 –a record. solo art show from Eric
Tony Hinton, who has been a member of the
Royal British Legion since 1957, has retired
after spending the last eight years serving at
the Kidderminster branch.
In this time Mr Hinton,
Grease is of Springfield, has helped
raise more than £200,000
for the town’s poppy
the word appeal, which provides
help and support to ex-
servicemen and women
for show and their dependants
and those serving their
countries around the
world today.
YOUNG singers, actors This year’s sum of
and dancers are being £28,765.48 was raised
sought in Kidderminster with the help of the Kid-
to star in a youth version derminster Army
of Grease. Cadets, the Air Training
The show, performed Corps cadets squadron,
by those aged 11-16, will the Parachute Associa-
be directed by profes- tion and volunteer collec-
sional actors and direc- tors across the town.
tors from Class Act More than 250 collec-
Drama Centre, based at tion boxes were also
The Custard Factory in placed in food and retail
Digbeth, Birmingham. outlets during October
They are beginning the and November.
search for main roles Dedication
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Chance up a new trust for ex-ser- his first one-man exhibition. an agency in Worcestershire teaching
vicemen, women and vet- Eric Howley, aged 63, is showcasing at schools across the region.
erans from his works at the town’s library in “I have displayed work previously
for young Kidderminster to main- Market Street until January 29. but only as part of larger exhibitions
tain his role within the The exhibition features more than with other people’s work,” he said.
legion. 40 of his drawings and paintings, along “This is the first-time I have held a
voices Anyone interested in with cabinets of ceramics and walking one-man show. I am anxiously hopeful
taking on the role of sticks he has created. it will be a success!
organiser for next year Mr Howley said it was the first exhi- “It really is a cross-section of my life-
should contact Worces- bition focusing solely on his own work. time’s work. The earliest piece dates
BUDDING young tershire Royal British Among the works are images of Kid- from the early 1970s when I was a
singers can go to Worces- Legion’s county secretary derminster, including Hurcott Woods, student in Leicester.
ter Cathedral to enjoy Shaun McCarthy on and Stourport. “There is a real mixture of pieces. I
the experience of singing 01905 621458. He moved to the area two years ago hope people enjoy the exhibition.”
with the cathedral choir.
Workshops down on the farm
On Saturday, January
15 Worcester Cathedral
is holding a Come and
Sing workshop day for
youngsters aged seven to A BEWDLEY farm will host a farmers to work with existing house Community Farm, in
13. It will be led by series of workshops for farmers resources, making the most of Staffordshire, who attended
Christopher Allsop, and growers, to help them add what they already have while sausage making, bacon curing and
assistant organist at value to their produce. adding value to agricultural two theory-based workshops last
Worcester Cathedral. The courses at Uncllys Farm, produce. year, said: “After completing the
At the end of the work- Tanners Hill, will start on “In addition to skills learned courses I felt I was able to go away
shop, participants will Wednesday, January 26, with a there are two days which explore and do all I had been shown. I was
join the Worcester Cathe- meat retailing workshop. selling and marketing which are confident to go and research
dral Choir to sing Choral This will be followed by a meat crucial to success. sausage recipes and start market-
Evensong accompanied marketing course, on Wednesday, “The courses will be practical, ing my full range of products.”
by the cathedral organ. February 9, which is designed to informal and are aimed at small Courses start at £31 a day
The cathedral is also give producers more practical businesses.” including VAT, but places are
looking for potential cho- ideas to creating a successful mar- The project, funded by Land- limited.
risters. Application keting plan for their stock. Skills West Midlands as part of Visit www.growingruralenter-
forms can be downloaded Nick Platt, company director of the rural development pro- prise.co.uk or, contact Julie White
from the MUSIC page on Growing Rural Enterprise Ltd, gramme for England, hopes to on 07971 666474 or via e-mail at
www.worcestercathe- will be delivering the courses. follow last year’s success. [email protected].
dral.co.uk He said: “We like to encourage Anna-Marie Stone, of Wood- uk
KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011Page 7
Page 8 KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011
thechronicle
Man beaten up in street
A MAN was attacked in the small punched him several times in the face,
hours in Bewdley. Now police are causing him to fall. The attacker left in
appealing for information about the the direction of St Anne's Church.
assault, which happened just before He is described as white, aged about
12.30am on Tuesday, December 28. 25, 5ft 11in, of medium build, with
The victim, in his late teens, was black spiky hair, and wearing a white
standing near to Tipplers Off Licence jumper and blue jeans.
on Load Street hoping to flag down a The victim sustained bruising to
taxi when a man approached one of his eyes and forehead, and attended the
friends and began squaring up to him. Minor Injuries Unit at Kidderminster
The victim stepped in and told the Hospital. Witnesses or anyone with
man to leave them alone. The man information are asked to contact PC
then pushed him in the chest and Tom Court on 0300 333 3000.
Solicitor to
pay back
£228,000
A 79-YEAR-OLDStourport solicitor who was jailed for stealing
from a client has now been ordered to pay more than £200,000
in compensation.
A total of £228,070.54 was confiscated from Peter Perrey, of Village
Square, Abberley, near Stourport, by Wolverhampton Crown Court
under the Criminal Justice Act.
Perrey, a former partner at Reynolds & Co in Hagley Street, Halesowen, was
jailed for 20 months in June last year.
He had pleaded guilty to stealing £329,750 from his client and friend of 40
years, Kevin McDonald. He also admitted a charge of false accounting.
Perrey, who was
released in November, Poetry and Motion
was told he must pay the
sum within six months.
The money will be used with competition
to compensate the insur-
ance company which
paid out to Mr McDonald
on behalf of the Solici-
tors’ Indemnity Fund.
Judge John Warner
ruled that the Stourport
cottage which Perrey
shares with wife Rose-
mary could be considered
one of his assets despite
it being registered in his
wife’s name. The home,
bought in 2006, has been
valued at £225,000.
The judge also told the
court that money in two
frozen bank accounts –
containing £2,343.75 and
£567.79 respectively –
plus £59 of shares in
HBOS and a person-
alised number plate
worth £100 should also
be considered as assets,
and confiscated along
with the cost of the
house.
Breach
“He is not the arche-
typal fraudster,” said
Judge Warner. “But I
must take into account
that he has been involved
by his own admission in a
most grave breach of
trust.”
The court was told that
the father-of-three and
stepfather-of-four had
seen a total of
£401,574.77 benefit from
his fraudulent actions. Sir Andrew Motion will present the prizes
Judge Warner
acknowledged that FORMER Poet Laureate Pothole
Perrey could not afford to Sir Andrew Motion is to
pay the £228,070.54 con- award poetry prizes in
fiscation amount as well Shropshire. teams on
as the compensation Ludlow Assembly
claim of just under Rooms has launched a
£407,000 being made by poetry competition on lookout
the insurance company. the theme of Precious
He ruled that the con- Earth. Entry deadline is
fiscated money should be noon on Tuesday, Febru-
paid as compensation. ary 22 and there are ROAD inspections are
Afloat Uthnrdeeer -1a1gse, 11c-a1t7e agnordi e1s8: bpeoitnhgo lsetse pcpaeuds eudp btoy ftinhde
The court had previ- or over. recent freeze.
ously heard during sen- There is no limit on Ten teams from
tencing that Perrey had how many poems can be Worcestershire County
used £295,000 of Mr submitted and each Council’s highways
McDonald’s money as a entry costs £5. Age maintenance depart-
“bridging loan” to buy the should be stated. First ment are touring
cottage. He later paid the prize in each category Worcestershire to find
money back. will be £100 with book and fix any defects.
Most of the money tokens for runners-up. Extra gangs are also on
Perrey stole had been Sir Andrew will standby to swing in to
used to try to keep the present the prizes when action, if necessary, over
business afloat during he appears at the Assem- the coming weeks.
the recession, the court bly Rooms on February Residents are being
heard. If he fails to pay 24. Application forms are encouraged to report any
back the compensation available from the Box potholes they spot by
order he will return to Office on 01584 878141 logging on to
jail for two years and or the website www.lud- www.worcestershire.gov.
nine months. lowassemblyrooms.co.uk uk/reportaproblem or by
Pathfinders walk the walk scahlilrien g Hthueb Woonr ce0st8e4r5-
6072005.
WALKING group Rock Pathfinders will be on the The recent sub-zero
march again next month. It will set off at 10am on temperatures, which
Sunday, February 13 for a two and a half hour guided dipped as low as -19 in
walk along countryside footpaths and bridleways. some parts last month,
The walk will start at Eymore Wood, Trimpley can cause potholes when
picnic car park (OS map reference 778793) and all water freezes on road
are welcome. surfaces and expands
To check the full programme visit wwwrockvil- during a freeze-thaw
lagehall.co.uk or call Alan on 01299 832840. cycle.
KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011Page 9
Page 10 KIDDERMINSTER CHRONICLE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 2011
thechronicle
Meeting is arranged post-haste
Fathers
featured
in picture
A CHRONICLE article
has helped to unite the
children of two Kidder-
minster postmen fea-
tured on the cover of a
special calendar.
Wyre Forest Historical
Research Group has
launched a 2011 calendar
which also featured in a
display at Kidderminster
Library last month.
Chairwoman Gay Hill
said: “We were contacted
by Graham Cooke, who
had seen a newspaper
article about the exhibi-
tion and consequently
contacted us. His father
Cyril Cooke is on the
cover photograph of the
staff of Kidderminster
Post Office in 1935.
“He had worked with
Syd Insull, mentioned in
the calendar text, and
both were awarded the
Imperial Service Medal.
Microfilm
“We were able to
arrange for Pauline and
Graham to meet,” she
added. “Coincidentally I
had been scrolling
through some newspa-
pers on microfilm and
had just come across a Pauline Carroll and Graham Cooke compare notes over the calendar
report of Cyril receiving
his medal, so I was able Vandals attack buildings
to surprise Graham with
it.”
The group staged an
exhibition of its photo- VANDALS broke into and damaged a vehicle parked outside. They also tam-
graphs throughout number of buildings in Briton Park, pered with some of the vehicle’s wiring
December in Kiddermin- Kidderminster. and broke an aerial off another.
ster Library to promote They struck at the park in Sutton A garden nursery building was also
the calendar. Road between 9pm on Tuesday, broken into where they threw bleach,
It can still be pur- January 4 and 8am the following day. paint and seeds over the kitchen floor.
chased for £7.50 at the Offenders broke into a shed on the PC Hannah Wilson said: “This was
library throughout cemetery grounds, stole a socket set just mindless vandalism as only the
January. Alternatively, and let off a fire extinguisher. socket set was taken which makes us
telephone Gay Hill on They also broke into a nearby shed think it may have been youngsters.”
01562-746370 or email belonging to Dial-a-ride, wrote on Anyone with information should call
[email protected] external walls and splashed paint on a PC Wilson on 0300 333 3000.